What to Wear in Dharamshala
What you wear in Dharamshala depends a lot on where you are in the day. Lower Dharamshala is milder, McLeod Ganj is cooler, and Triund is colder again, so one day can take you through three different climates.
Plan your clothes around layers, good walking shoes and a rain jacket, because Dharamshala gets a lot of rain. For photos, warm colours like maroon, rust and mustard sit well with the prayer flags, the monasteries and the green forest.
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What to Wear in Dharamshala During Summer
Summer days (March to June) are pleasant in McLeod Ganj, and can be warm in lower Dharamshala. Mornings and evenings still get cool, so keep a warm layer with you.
Best Summer Outfits for Dharamshala
- T-shirts or cotton shirts with jeans or trekking trousers
- Light kurtas or loose, modest tops
- A fleece or light jacket for the evenings
- A cap, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the mountain sun is strong
- A light rain jacket, as showers can come without warning
What to Wear in Dharamshala During the Monsoon
The monsoon (July to mid-September) brings heavy, almost daily rain. Dharamshala is one of the wettest places in north India, so waterproofs matter more here than in most hill towns.
Best Monsoon Outfits for Dharamshala
- A proper waterproof jacket or poncho
- Quick-drying trousers and tops
- A light fleece for cool, damp evenings
- Spare socks
- Waterproof shoes or sandals with a good grip
What to Wear in Dharamshala During Autumn and Winter
Autumn (October and November) is dry and crisp, with cold nights. Winter (December to February) is cold, especially in McLeod Ganj and on the trails, and the peaks are covered in snow.
Best Winter Outfits for Dharamshala
- Thermal innerwear
- Woollen sweaters or a warm fleece
- A down or padded jacket
- A woollen cap, gloves and a scarf
- Warm socks
- Boots with a good grip for icy paths
Best Colours to Wear in Dharamshala
Maroon, saffron, mustard and rust match the colours of the monasteries and prayer flags and look warm in photos. Against the forest and the grey rock of the Dhauladhar, forest green, cream and red stand out well. On Triund, a bright jacket also makes you easier to spot on the ridge.
Footwear Tips for Dharamshala
McLeod Ganj is built on steep, narrow lanes, and many sights are reached on foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip. For Triund, wear trekking shoes or boots, as the trail is rocky and can be slippery after rain. Pick shoes that are easy to remove at monasteries and temples. Avoid heels and smooth soles.
Questions
Dharamshala — FAQ
What should I wear in McLeod Ganj?
Wear layers you can add or remove, modest clothes for the monasteries and comfortable shoes for the steep lanes. Carry a warm layer and a rain jacket at any time of year.
What should I wear for the Triund trek?
Wear trekking shoes, comfortable trekking trousers and quick-drying layers. Carry a warm jacket, a cap and a rain jacket, as it is colder and windier on the ridge than in McLeod Ganj.
Do I need a rain jacket in Dharamshala?
Yes. Dharamshala gets heavy rain, especially from July to mid-September, and showers are possible at other times too. A packable rain jacket is one of the most useful things to bring.
What should I wear to monasteries in Dharamshala?
Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and shoes you can slip off easily. Remove your hat inside shrines and keep your voice low.
Can tourists wear a Tibetan chuba in Dharamshala?
Yes. The chuba (also called bakhu) is sold in McLeod Ganj and many visitors wear one for photos. Wear it respectfully, and avoid dressing in monks' robes, which are a religious garment.